While De La Salle University emerged victorious in its first-round encounter with archrival University of the Philippines, securing a commanding 68-56 win on October 6, the game was marred by controversy and unsubstantiated allegations against both teams.
Eager to move past the incident, especially with UP once again on La Salle’s schedule this Sunday, Nov. 10, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Robinson downplayed the anticipated emotional rematch, emphasizing that he would treat the game like any other.
“Just like how we treat each and every game. It just happens to be them that we’re facing. Whether we like it or not, we’re going to see them. We’re excited, moving forward, and looking at what we can learn to prepare for the upcoming Final Four. We don’t really put too much attention on who we’re going to play because we can’t control what they’ll do,” said Robinson.
“What we have full control over is how we prepare and how we approach the game, which will be another exciting ball game for us. Just like Mike said, this is what the UAAP is all about—it’s all about competition. We’ll always go out and compete, challenge ourselves, and see where we’re at,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Fourth-year center Mike Phillips highlighted the importance of the Green Archers’ unity, especially when facing a talented and well-balanced Fighting Maroons roster.
La Salle’s solidarity was evident in their 58-53 second-round win over Far Eastern University, where Phillips, JC Macalalag, and Doy Dungo stepped up in the absence of a struggling Kevin Quiambao (eight points, 2-of-17 shooting).
Phillips ended the game with 17 points (11 in the fourth), 15 rebounds, five blocks, two steals, and two assists. Macalalag contributed nine points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Dungo delivered the best performance of his young UAAP career, posting eight points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
“For me, ever since the first press conference we had for the UAAP, when they unveiled the theme ‘Stronger, Better, Together,’ that really stuck with me. Each year the UAAP has a different theme, and I think that’s perfect for what we’re trying to do this year—defending and attacking the championship,” the 21-year-old banger shared.
“Going into the next game, and every game after, we’re going into it together. We’re a united front. Everyone on this team has sacrificed for each other in so many ways. If you have the Bible App, check out Psalm 133. It’s about unity—finding strength in unity through shared suffering and triumph, through the highs and lows. That’s our mentality—staying together, figuring it out. But the most important thing is that we’re a united front.”
